This is a large riad located very close to the main square. It has a pretty courtyard with beautiful plants and a large swimming pool.
The colour of the walls is a lovely blue like that of Jardin Marjorelle and works really well against the lush green foliage and tiled flooring.
The rooftop is large with plenty of seating and a warm jacuzzi for guests to use.
Lit up in the evening, the rooftop looks incredibly pretty.
Images by Freebird Tracey.
The square is visible from the rooftop, and you can hear the lively sounds of everything going on there until late at night.
I chose a room on the rooftop. It was exceptionally pretty and decorated in a beautiful Saffron colour.
Images by Freebird Tracey.
For some people, the close proximity to the main square may be perfect.
For light sleepers, you may find the early morning call to pray rather loud, and the noise from the busy square may be a bit of a problem during the nighttime.
The sound of the food stalls being dismantled can be heard until the early hours of the morning.
I would recommend taking ear plugs.
Riad Persephone has a rustic charm, and some areas are a little bit tired and in need of a face-lift.
However, if you prefer a traditional style of riad, this is what you will get but at a high-end price.
This is largely due to its location and the view of Jamaa El Fnaa from the rooftop.
The riad offers activities for their guests, such as quad biking and Agafay desert, and has a hammam.
Riad Persephone is situated close to some nice restaurants and shops.
It is a vibrant and colourful riad with a few cosy little nooks to sit and relax.
Images by Freebird Tracey
If you’re looking for a traditional riad,there are several riads that have excellent customer service at a more affordable price.
It all depends on whether you want to be overlooking the action in the main square or not.
Overall, Riad Persephone is aesthetically pretty and very comfortable.
There are a lot of steps up to the rooftop, so people with mobility issues may struggle with that.
The best way to immerse yourself in the culture of Marrakech.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
No-one should come to Marrakech and miss out on the wonderful experience of staying in a riad.
If you truly want a taste of authentic Moroccan life, spending time in a riad with traditional zellige tiles and the sound of trickling water from the fountain in the central courtyard will give you just that.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
Riads are the homes once lived in by the well-to-do of Marrakech.
They are built around a central courtyard with the windows facing inwards and have citrus trees and lush foliage in the middle, reaching up through the open rooftop.
Many have a small pool for cooling off in, and most of them still have their original fountains.
The rooftop can be reached by climbing the steep tiled steps, where you will be greeted by colourful seating areas to escape from the heat and admire the incredible views of the medina.
Images by Freebird Tracey.
The rooms are traditionally decorated in Moroccan lamps and Berber artefacts, which include colourful traditional rugs,cushions, and exquisitely handcrafted furniture.
I prefer mid-range riads because they still maintain their original appearance, and it’s like being immersed in a tale from 1001 nights.
Some of the original tiles from hundreds of years ago are still visible, and they exude character.
The higher priced riads are also very beautiful but are modernised to cater to tourists.
They include bidets and television sets in the rooms.
All riads are charming, and it all depends on whether you favour luxury over authenticity.
My choice of riad is a family owned property, one that still has it’s old world charm and feels as though I’m staying with a Moroccan family.
A 1001 Arabian Nights experience.
Images by Freebird Tracey.
Most riads cook delicious home cooked food for their guests and offer cooking lessons.
There is also a hammam available in most riads.
This is a wonderful experience, and something everyone who comes to Marrakech should indulge in at least once.
Rooms in a riad are usually slightly dark inside.
This keeps them cool in the summer when temperatures can exceed 50°
Waking up to the sound of birds singing in the trees and the gentle flowing of water burbling from the fountain is such a wonderful start to the day.
The early morning sunshine reflecting off the beautifully tiled floors, puts you in a happy mood for the day.
Images by Freebird Tracey.
Most riads provide their guests with a hearty breakfast, which is sweeter than we are used to in the west.
Some riads cook omelettes, and there is always fresh orange juice and homemade yoghurts and jams served with traditional bread.
The msemen pancakes served with honey and amlou are my absolute favourite.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
I love sunbathing on the rooftop, listening to the call to prayer from the Koutoubia mosque.
If you’re staying near Jamaa El Fna,you can hear the gnawa musicians and the drumming in the distance.
This is a true immersion in the culture of Marrakech.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
In the evening, I like to watch the sunset from the rooftop.
At dusk, Jamaa El Fnaa comes alive with thousands of visitors.
You can hear the vendors calling out to beckon tourists into their food stalls.
The aroma of the food cooking catches your breath.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
Back in the courtyard, you feel as though you are in an oasis.
This calm and peaceful environment is a far cry from what is happening outside the big, heavy wooden door of the riad.
The sound of gentle music plays quietly in the background, creating a sense of tranquillity.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
Staff at the riad can suggest places where you can eat and also arrange popular excursions for their guests.
They are eager to please their guests and go above and beyond the call of duty.
Staying in a traditional riad has a more intimate feeling than a hotel does.
I like to spend a few days having what I call, a riad experience..
Enjoying the culture of Marrakech like a true local.
Images by Freebird Tracey.
Whichever type of riad you choose to stay in, you won’t be disappointed.
Whether it’s a former palace or a family owned business, it’s one of the most delightful experiences you can have whilst visiting Marrakech.
Sounds Of The Souks 